Sunday, March 30, 2003

Recycling can damage your health

At least, that appears to be the case according to a study in Scandanavia. There, waste is separated by householders. Organic waste is collected separately but only a fortnightly basis. The extended delay causes the waste to putrefy, releasing potentially hazardous aerosols which the refuse collectors breathe in. The study found that the workers suffered higher levels of lung inflammation in midweek as compared to Mondays, after a day of rest.

This doesn't exactly strike at the heart of recycling philosophy, but it is illustrates that 'natural' and 'biodegradable' are not necessarily risk-free.